Recent Long Island Ducks lefthander Rich Hill gave up only one infield hit in seven scoreless innings yesterday in his first big-league start in six years, as his Boston Red Sox went on to beat the host Tampa Bay Rays, 2-0, in 13 innings.

Hill struck out 10, walked one and hit two batters. The lone hit off Hill came when shortstop Xander Bogaerts couldn't cleanly field J.P. Arencibia's grounder on a backhand attempt in the hole during the third inning.

Hill, 35, made two starts with the Ducks in August, allowed no earned runs in 11 innings and tied a franchise mark with 14 strikeouts Aug. 9 against Camden.

He was signed by the Red Sox on Aug. 10 and assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he went 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in five starts.

Hill has now played in parts of 11 years in the majors, with 71 starts among his 198 appearances, including 14 relief appearances and a 1.69 ERA last year for the Yankees.

It was only the second time in AL history that both starters (Hill and the Rays' Drew Smyly) recorded 10 strikeouts and zero runs. Rudy May of the Angels and Vida Blue of the A's did it July 9, 1971.-- AP

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